New York officials announced Thursday that improvements to People’s Park and the Community Recreation Center in Seneca Falls are complete, backed by about $4.4 million in state grants.
The projects received $4.1 million for People’s Park and $324,000 for the recreation center through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, according to the state Department of State’s announcement.
The funding came from the town’s $10 million award in the program’s fourth round in 2019.
Waterfront access, playground and skate park improvements
People’s Park improvements include new pathways, a playground and waterfront treatments along the Erie Canal. Work on the “It’s a Wonderful Life” Bridge included new paint and lighting, along with a mural on the Ovid Street bridge abutment.
At the Community Recreation Center, the project added an accessible kayak launch and “street league” obstacles at the skate park.
Secretary of State Walter Mosley said the projects provide public gathering spaces and improve access to the canal.
Town Supervisor Frank Schmitter credited state support and said the project would give Seneca Falls’ tourism industry and economy a boost.
Other downtown projects completed
The department identified four other finished projects supported by the town’s revitalization award, including $1 million for the National Women’s Hall of Fame. That work renovated the building’s smokestack, added a stairwell and elevator for access to upper floors, and improved interior exhibit space.
The historic Huntington Building received $800,000 for conversion into 53 energy-efficient affordable housing units. Of those, 27 include supportive services for veterans.
A $533,000 project at the Heritage & Information Center improved the façade, updated permanent interior exhibits, installed a new elevator and renovated spaces used by boaters.
The Frank Ludovico Sculpture Trail received $178,000 for a gateway entry plaza, an accessible trail surface and descriptive plaques for the sculptures.
Museum work and building grants continue
The “It’s a Wonderful Life” Museum project carries a $1.917 million award. Planned improvements include structural stabilization, a façade renovation reflecting the building’s historic appearance, better accessibility and improved signage.
A separate $853,000 Building Improvement Fund supports interior and exterior work on downtown properties. Five projects have been completed through that fund, with at least four more underway, according to the department.
Part of a statewide program
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative began in 2016 to support downtowns and neighborhoods in all 10 state regions. The Department of State leads the program with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
Other Finger Lakes-region winners include Geneva, Penn Yan, Rochester, Newark, Perry, Waterloo and Canandaigua. Batavia won awards in both the second and ninth rounds.
Across nine rounds, the program has awarded $1 billion to 99 communities. The enacted fiscal 2027 state budget provides another $100 million for the initiative.
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